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41133 ara 




ffialiforuitt Society. 



P-RIZE ESSAgS 



Scholars of the High School 

— IX THE — 

gttate erf ^dalifoxnttrt, 



UPON THE SUBJECT 



"PAT"RieK HE/N-Ry." 

The Fii-st Prize, a Silver Medal, was awarded to 

PAUL G. CLARK 

of the Loa Angeles High School. 



The Second Prize, a Bronze Medal, was awarded to 

HOWARD D. ECEY 

of the Los Angeles High Scliool. 



Honorable Mention, was awarded to 

CHRISTOPHER G. RUESS 

of the Los Angeles High Scliool. 



©ontJHtttee on ^n>l1t•^. 
HARRY WOODVILLE LATHAM.- 



"PtTBLlSnED BY THE SOOIKTY 
JCNE 17th, 1S95. 



c. 






m rue 
§<Jn« of Uje JiewijUttiott 

IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA 

A PROCLAMATION. 

To the High Schooi Scholars of the State of California, Greeting: 

The Siiciety, 8oiis f>f the Revolutl<»n, was institute'! on Wanhington's Rlrth- 
d«y, 1H76, ill the Sictf uf N'ew York, itud it now has a National Organization mod- 
t-Ieil Hller the Kovefnnient of the llnlted States. 

The pTirp st's of the Socl#*ty jire stnted in ouf Constitution: 

"The California Society. Sons of the Kevnlutlon. has been incorporated for 
the purposes of ^eipetiiailut; among their dfscendauts the memory of those brnve men 
whu periled tbeir lives Hnd fortunet^ in the War of the Revolution to wrest the ?■ merlcan 
Colonies from British dominion ; for the cnlleetlen and pfeaervatiou ot manuscripts, 
records and documents relating to that contest for Independence; for the Inspiration' 
amony lt>. members and their children of the patriotic spirit of their foreiathers; for the 
iiiciilcation of H love of country and venerati^m for the principles whieh.are t e founda- 
tion of oar Natiunal Unltv, and ihe promotion of social intercourse and cordial fellow- 
ship among its members." 

Its membership Is c-m posed of direct descendants of Ancetitors who, either as 
III ilitai-y , Naval or Marine oflicers, si'ldiers, sailors or marines, or officials, in the* 
service of any one of the thirteen oriirlnnl Colonies or Statea. or of the National" 
<>f»vernnic>nt. HSBisted in e!«tablishing American Independence, during the War 
of the Kefolutlon# 

The Societies in the Kastern States have er -cted monuments upon Revolutionary 
Battlefields, placed bronze and marble tablets at places made historic by heroic deeds, 
and erected a beautiful Bronze Statue in the City of New York to the memory of Cap- 
fain Nathan Bale, 'the man who made the name of spy synonymous with martyr 
and patriot in the reconis of the Wai* for Independence.*' 

' alifiTuia contains uo Revolutionary lustoric g onnd, bu6 the Sorts of the Rev- 
olution can erect a Monartient to Loyalty and Patriotism iu the hearts of her 
^on^ "ind daughters. 

Now, Theref<»re, as an Incentive to research in American Patriotic History, 
and to give them a more intimate knowledge of the i>iitrioti>m, devotion, heroism atu^ 
sacritices of our Forefathers, The California Society of Soifs of the Revolution' 
oH'ers them h Sliver Medal as a Arst prize and a Bronze Medal as a second prize 
for the best Original Essays upon the subject, 

PATRICK HKNRY. 

<*ompetfng Epsays most contain not less than 1776 nor more than 1894 words, tvr^e- 
written on one side only <»f paper sxlO inches, with xy^ inch margin at ibe left, signed by 
a Mom deplume, accompanied with a sealed envelope with the nom-de-plume on the* 
outside containine: the writer's real name, addresti, school and a certificate from the 
Superintendent or Principal of the High School that the Kasay Is original. 

A 1} Kssays nnist be sent by mail in a large or "legal" enveU>ue t*> the Secretary 
of this Society before January 1, 1895. The examining committee will receiTe the E»!- 
savs, the Secretary retaining the envelopes e<tntaining the real names of the writers, 
until the commHtee shall hare reached a decision, when they Will be ofteued at a meet- 
ing of the Board of Directors of the Society. 

The prizes will be awarded at the annual meeting of the Society in L,o8 Angeles 
on the anniversary of Washington's Birthday, 1S95. 

The S€>ciety hereby appoints the Superintendent, Principal and Teachers of each 
comi eiing High School, a rommittee of Review and Inspection, with authority to reject 
such E.ssays as may not be worthy of a piace in the competition, so that only meritorious 
Essays be sent. 

The Prize Medal is Silver,, the face being a fac simile of the Seal of the Society,- 
and will have, on the reverse, an appropriate Inscription with the winner's name. The 
second prize will be like the first, but in Bronze. Both medals will be suspended by a 
silk ribbon in buftand blue, the Continental colms of the Society. 

Given from the Hall of our Society in the City of Lo« Angeles,- 
this eighth day of May, in the year of our l^ord one thousand eight hundred 
and ninety four, and of the Independence of the United States of 
America the one hundred and nineteenth, and of the Society of Sons of^ 



W^^t 



fc. ., , J the Revolution the nineteenth. 
V' ■'' i HOLDRIDGK OZRO COLLINS. 

"*-*^ President. 

ARTHUR BURNETT BENTON, 

Sicrrtnry, 
114 North Spring Street. Log Angeles, Cal. 

bTATE OK CALIFORNIA, 

DepiU-tment cf Public Inatrurtion,- 
Sacramento, April 24,1894. 

HOLDBIPGR O. COLtlNS. EsQ,. 

President <'a(>/t»ni.ia Society Sun^ of tkt lievulution, 
Los Angklks,Cal. 
Dear Sir: 

The plan proposed by you for securing prize essays upon subjects relating to 
the War of the RevoUition. meets my hearty approval. I ctnnmend U to the Principals 
and Directors of our High Schools, believing that it will prove a source of both p easure' 
and profit, and a powerful means of cultivating a proper patriotic spirit on the part of 
our vouDK people. Very truly yours, 

J. W. ANDERSON. 

S u I'C r i lite ltd fnt Puhlic Instruction: 
[Copy of VroclamatiOB^l 



l-V 



1 






PROElVr. 



The California Society §ou& of tlte ^ruoltttiott 

was organized " for the purposes of perpetuating among 
their descendants the memory of those brave men who 
periled their lives and fortunes in the War of the 
Revolution to wrest the American colonies from British 
Dominion; for the collection and preservation of manu- 
scripts, records and documents relating to that contest for 
Independence; for the inspiration among its members and 
their children of the patriotic spirit of their forefathers; 
for the inculcation of a love of country and veneration for 
the principles which are the foundation of our National 
Unity, and the promotion of social intercourse and cordial 
fellowship among its members." 

Only those are eligible whose ancestors participated upon 
the Colonial side in the War of the Rev(dution. 

The Societies in the Eastern States in carrying out the 
practical objects of the Organization have erected statues 
of distinguished men of the Continental Army, and placed 
bronze and marble tablets upon spots made memorable by 
heroic deeds. 

In the early days of its existence the California Society 
determined, as an incentive to the patriotism of our grow- 
ing youth, and the study of our most memorable epoch, to 
offer prizes to the scholars in the High Schools for the best 
two essays upon the subject PATRICK HENRY. 

With the hearty endorsement and co-operation of J. W. 
Anderson, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Proclama- 
tions were sent to every High School in the State, inviting 
all scholars to compete for two prizes, one a silver and the 
other a bronze medal, to be the reward for the two best 
essays. A large number of responses was received and they 
were all referred for examination to Harry W. Latham, A. 
B., a graduate of Yale College and a gentleman of discrim- 
inating literary ability. 



The following was liis report, viz: 

" I return herewith, Essays Sons of (he Revolution. 1 
should advise tiie awarding of ]>rizes as follows: 

First Prize, Essay by Laru, No. 3. 

Second Prize, Essay by Scribenduni, No. 7. 

Third I'rize, Essay by Patrio T. Lover, No. 18. 

II. W. L.\T]IAM." 

Upon opening the sealed envelopes containing these 
novis-(J('-])ivnie it was found that " Laru " was Paul (}. 
Clark, ycribendum was Howard D. Ebey, Patrio T. Lover 
■was Christopher G. Kuess, all scholars of the Los Angeles 
High School. The medals will be given to the winners 
upon a suital)le occasion, aiid this Society has the pleasure 
of presenting herewith the successful essays. The prizes 
are a fac-siniile of the Seal on the first page of tliis pam- 
phlet with an ai>propriate inscription on the back: 

A similar competition ui)on another subject will be pro- 
posed at the ne.tt session of the High Schools of California: 



®ijt giUtcv |iU&iti ^»riK m»&(Xtj, 



PATRICK HENRY. 



1!Y PAUL G. CLARK., 



Out of Chaos came forth order; out of blinding darkness 
proceeded a pure ray of light, out of the Revolution Pat,- 
rick Henr3', like Athena, was, born. 

It seems as though often in the crisis of a nation's life, 
whetlier for the first time the Ship of State is being launched 
upon the sea of national life or whether it approaches too 
closely upon some mid-ocean shoal, that in the moment of 
its direst need, some deliverer arises in his saving might. 
Perchance the nation is about to fall a prey to a vora- 
cious enemy or be the blameless object of a tyrant's oppres- 
sion; maybe, discord prevails in the breasts of her. sons 
and the state about to succumb to the, intestine rivalries of 
dissension. Such at one time was the seeming fate of 
America. 

Voyagers hud set out from the land of England and 
planted a colony upon the virgin continent of America. 
Its ranks had been recruited from time to time, until at 
last it no longer depended oh the land of its nativity for 
support. It took firm hold in the soil of its adoption' and 
spread its roots over a large extent of country. A stately 
stock shot up from the center of the plant; in turn upon it 
grew a branch, then another, until upon the majestic stern 
of popular unity there stood, in the grand beauty of peer- 
less nature, thirteen branches. 

This country has ever quickly rallied around the stand- 
ard of freedom whenever assailed by seditious spirits. The 
king of Britain raised his hand and dangled the chain of 
servitude before the eyes of North America. The people 
saw the pending danger about to force them into abject ser- 
vitude. America arose in her new found might and de- 
livered her one ultimatum, "Give me liberty or give me 
death!" The fiat had gone forth; there is no appeal from 
the exalted judgment of liberty. 

Who is this who has raised such a burst of patriotism 
from the people without a government? Wiio ha's had the 



courage to throw down the gauntlet of defiance before a 
nation, lord of priceless possessions? Who has raised the 
standard of Indejtendency over a country crushed by its 
master's heel? Let the patriotism of America answer. 
Those who feel the priceless value of liberty give a contin- 
ual and ever-living response. Upon the heart of every 
true son in this broad land are engraven these mighty 
words — Patrick H€nry. 

Patrick Henry was born in Virginia in the lap of liberty, 
and cradled in her arms. The true date of his birth was . 
when America declared her freedom. 

The first years of his life were spent outwardly in idle- 
ness; yet all the while that he was doing nothing for his 
own advancement, neglecting education, making failures in 
commercial embarkations, he was amassing to himself 
powers of observation, comprehensions of his fellow beings 
and such secret keys to the human character as were of 
lasting benefit to him throughout his life. Literally he ab- 
sorbed experience from the silence of the woods and learn- 
ing from behind the plow. Nature was his schoolmistress 
and man his educator. 

But slowly and surely fate was working out his destiny. 
Already were signs of an wakening in that mighty intellect; 
already was the power of his genius stirring like a giant 
awakened from sleep, until he is found bursting over his 
hearers the bombshell of his eloquence; driving his oppo- 
nents from their seats in the violence of his invective; 
transfixing them with his brilliancy. Such was the begin- 
ning of his public career. 

The whole of his talents was devoted to his country's 
service; all of his life devoted to it upon the rostrum of 
independence. Long, manfully and faithfully did he battle 
with the enemies of his country; first, in the House of Bur- 
gesses before the war; afterwards in the Virginia House of 
Delegates; then in the Continental Congress; and finally 
(not abandoning his country when, largely through him, 
her independence was declared) in the Constitutional Con- 
vention, where with all the innate powers of his mind op- 
posed what he, in defiance of the choicest intellects of the 
country, thought to be America's foes; where he battled 
with all the powers of his vast intellect, and finally, through 
his influence, procured a series of amendments which are 
the present balances and safeguards of the Constitution. 



Retiring from the arduous duties of political life, Patrick 
Henry had naore laurels to win at his profession, the bar. 
At last, however, wishing rest from a public and more or 
less political life, he sought the retirement of his home. 
Even here he was pursued, and the turmoil of politic? pen- 
etrated to his door. The People of Virginia could not for- 
get one of their foremost representatives and truest patriots. 
The Legislature of the State offered him for the third time 
the chair of Chief Executive of the Commonwealth. In 
the midst of his family, most cherished friends and intimate 
acquaintances, a public career had no further charms for 
him. His service to the free and independent States of 
America had been rendered; he possessed the consciousness 
of having done his work, and owed not a single duty to his 
native State. Let others take it up and support what he 
had helped to create. 

Once more does the sea of politics wash its breaking 
waves around the quiet of his home. Upon his ear falls 
the whisper of possible civil dissension; and this old man, 
well worthy to rest in peace upon his laurels and to live upon 
the patrimony of his estate, leaves the restful quiet and sol- 
itude of his home, and seeks again to support the State 
which was his creation. It was his last effort, and when 
there sounded in his ears the call from heights above, it 
found him at his post, denouncing tyranny, exalting V\h- 
erty. 

If ever a passion animated the breast of Henry, it was the 
love of Liberty. Filling his whole soul, it permeated every 
nerve and fibre of his being. It prompted him to deliver 
his heaven-born message of eloquence. Whether in the 
assemblages of the Continental Congress, in the House of 
Burgesses, or in some small gathering, he never failed to 
impart to them the lofty enthusiasm of his soul. Never did 
his oratory fail in its forceful effect. Always rang the reso- 
nant cry of his voice for liberty, filling his hearers with 
admiration only exceeded by their patriotism. Before them 
played the lightning of thrilling words, and rolled the thun- 
der of patriotic persuasion. When we think of Henry, it is 
as the grand patriot-orator; those high flights of genius 
which were inimitable; those soul-stirring exhortations 
which in their potent effects produced a silence like the 
depths of the sky. 

Even before the idea of a national independence had fully 
forced itself upon the peopk, it was 'foreseen and understood 



8 

b\' Tatrick Henry tlial tliat was the thing which tlie future 
had in store. Accordingly it was his lofty spirit which 
sonnded the first clarion note of "to arms." 'Twas he who 
voiced tlie opinion of America and proclaimed it in its rul- 
ing body. Jjike magic the colonists saw wliat he had long 
foreseen. His burning words were having their effect. 
Tiie torch of independence was lighted by iiis own steady 
hand.. He roused the enthusiasm of a people almost stunned 
by the shock of oppression. Tlie cliains of restrained lib- 
erty were cast off arid the country rose, a nation. True, oh 
Patrick Henry, tiiat Caesar had his Brutus, that Charles 1st 
had his Cromwell, but it may he stiid witii etjual truth that 
the chief Powers of Civic Thraldom had their Henry. , 

The record of his life shovvs the prevailing qualities of 
moderation in both speech and action. The love of justice 
amply made amends for whatever he hicked in the routine 
of hi^s profession. 

Nero's power would have been crushed before he could 
touch his imperial sceptre had Henry lived in his time. 
The historians voice would have been dumb concerning 
tbe tyranny of the Pharaohs had Henry existed before the 
Christain Era. No soul could listen to his "silver tongue" 
and remain iin[)assive. Patrick Henry roused iton to action 
and quickly cut the Cord of Fate for America's deliverance. 
He was the Rienzi of American history. 

His was the magnificent grandeur of the lion. Calm and 
peaceful when un-aroused, yet grand of contemplation; but 
when once disturbed from his tranquility, he rises in 
majesty and plunges with the roar of a mighty thunder 
into the thickest of the fray. On he rushes \vith the force 
of the ocean wave before which all smaller objects are 
crushed as the twig beneath the paw of the forest King. 
Anon he pauses; yet only to gather force for one mighty 
effort; when beneath a master stroke. of superb power, the 
arguments of his opposers lay crushed at his feet. 

Let destruction sweep from shore to shore, let devastation 
blow its luritl breath acros.s the throe thousand miles and 
more, or discord cast its fearful shadow across the land; let 
war wrap the American bulwarks in darkening smoke and 
the capitol dome crash because of Anarchist's deadly power,, 
yet above it all will shine the bright star of American 
patriotism, the star of the man who told England to stop 
her tyrannical rule: the star of the man who made us a 
nation, whose bright star of destiny will guide us to the 



future as it has lighted the past. The glorious fate of our 
land is inevitable, the rising sun of her glorious future as 
yet is only flashing its golden rays in the ether of the East; 
her angle of progress but commenced to wing his flight 
across the years of her existence; tlie waving Stripes and 
inspiring Stars only started to head the marcli of the long, 
winding column of Freedom's sons; still from the mighty 
company there rings tlie cry of their " hail to the chief," 
for it was the author of the Resolutions against the Stamp 
Act, who with a few straggling followers began the now 
endless march. 

It is to him that there peals from the soul of Americans 
the thrilling music of patriot strains caught by the rolling 
orbs of time to hand the secret on to eternity. It is the 
message of gratitude from Columbia's sons and daughters, 
and thougli the earth and heaven should roll away, from 
the bottomless depth of space will spring the fount of a 
people's thanks. Its twelve streams of crystal drops of love 
will sparkle forever across the boundless waste of time, 
spanned by the rainbow arch of deserved reward. 

Patrick Henry! A name to be extant when heroes are 
no more; when the names of kings are buried beneath the 
grandeur of their glory. A name to sound along the "cor- 
ridors of time" and echo through the labyrinth halls of 
fame. America can never forget the cornerstone of her 
independence, her champion for the only priceless jewels 
which are the sole heritage of her sons; she can never for- 
get tlie true advocate of her Freedom, the Protector of her 
Liberty. Laru. 



11 



PATRICK HENRY, PATRIOT AXD ORATOR. 



BY HOWARD D. EBEY. 



Almost two hundred years have heen born from the 
trao-ic stage of time since a lustrous star, obscured by the 
haze of humbleness, joined the constellation of American 
greatness. When oblivion's claim to Washington's immor- 
tal name is granted by a grateful people, when America no 
longer loves the light'of liberty, then only will its splendor 
wane. May 29, 1736, conscripted from the realms of pre- 
e.vistence bv the angel of destiny, , Patrick Henry donned 
tlie mantle'of mortality and went forth to fight for free- 
dom. 

Home was the most beneficial schoolhouse for him, and 
the lad's lack of education excelled his love of study, just 
as he communed more with God's wild woods than with 
the weak words of man. As he grew older, taught by dame 
e.xperience that fate had fashioned him neither for the 
country counter nor the poor plantation, he elected law as 
his vocation. A steed of fleetest foot it proved to be, and 
bore him by the shortest road to fame. 

Plis native county was the field of his first trophy. The 
clergy had been paid with the Virginia's depreciated cur- 
rency and worthless weed. They demanded indemnity. 
The '"Parson's Cause! " The people's counsel forsook them ; 
the clergy's hopes sprang up like hydra's heads; the cause 
had Patrick Henry's hand and heart. A Hercules, he 
wielded well the severing sword of popular prejudice, and 
seared the wounds with blazing eloquence. The verdict 
petrified the vanquished with amazement: "One penny 

damages." 

Time rolls on. The House of Burgesses beholds him. 
The Stamp Act is law. Words are well-nigh worthless 
weapons now. A lull of suspense pervades the land. Loy- 
alty or libertv! That is the question. Age and experience 
hesitate to decide; youth and inexperience determine to 
act. Patrick Henry becomes the leader of the legislature, 
the orator of Virginia, the statesman of America, as he pens 
tlie "Virginia Resolutions," declares America as free as 



12 

England, pronounces the principle that "taxation without 
representation is tyranny," as like a seer, he says, "Caesar 
had his Brutus; Charles the First his Cromwell; and George 
theThird ["Treason!" cries tiie chair. "Treason!" echoes 
the house. Silence reigns and the orator maintains his 
course ] — and George the Third may profit by their exam- 
{)le. If this be treason, make the most of it." Thus was 
the .lag of freedom unfurled. He rang the bell of liberty; 
though fear altemi)ted to mutHe it, its peals rang in the 
colonists' ears, nor has its sound yet ceased. 

The years glide by, and his practice in the higher courts 
lessens, as he forgets liimself in remembering his country. 
In the First Continental Congress, he strikes the key-note 
of union and success with the words: "All distinctions are 
thrown down. All America is thrown into one mass. I 
am not a Virginian, but an American." He is in Virgin- 
ia's Second Revolutionary Convention. The sound of war 
is on the wind, and it inspires him. His voice is the voice 
of God as he says, "The war is inevitable. And let it come." 
His hearers' souls are thrilled as he utters the words, "I 
know not what course others may take, but as for me, give 
me liberty, or give me death." 

The royal governor planned tosie/.e all munitions of war. 
Powder was transferred from the public arsenal to an 
English man-of-war. Virginia's sons arose in arms, eager 
and prepared to tight. But caution, fearful, called out^ 
"Disperse, ye rebels," and they dispersed. Hearing of 
this, the people's hero, Patrick Henr}', at the head of sev- 
eral undaunted hundreds marched on to Williamsburg. 
Success! His majesty's receiver-general makes amends to 
the amount of £ooO. Not a gun fired, not a luan dead, — 
Virginia's bloodless Battle of Lexington was a victory! "A 
certain Patrick Henry " was denounced by the governor's 
proclamation, but the people praised and loved him. 

Tlie hero's talents were recognized, and during the recess 
of the Second Continental Congress he represented Virginia. 

Commander-in-Chief of Virginia's soldiery! That was the 
commission, but it was Mily a commission. He renounced 
his title, and another chapter of his history was written. 

The question of independence agitates the minds of Vir- 
ginia's statesmen; Patrick Henry's counsel: Let us have a 
declaration of independence, but let us also have union at 
home, and friendship abroad. It is embodied in the reso- 
lutions. In the constitution of Virginia, he sows the seeds- 



13 

of democracy and equality; in her declaration of rights, he 
asserts for the first time the divine principle of religious 
liberty. 

Just one day after the adoption of the Declaration of 
Independence, the patriot becomes Virginia's first gov- 
ernor. During tliis term an illness befalls him which 
determines his future. As governor, he devotes his time 
and talent to the common cause in the darkest days of the 
Revolution. His second administration is remembered for 
his thorough loyalty to Washington in the cabal to sup- 
plant that general with Gates. While he was governor a 
third eventful year, the fair and fertile fields of the South 
were plougiied witl) the cannon-ball and watered with the 
blood of heroes. In these three years, Virginia thrice 
invested her able and patriotic governor with exceptional 
authority. 

He refused to succeed himself for a third time by a loose 
construction of the constitution; he declined to serve as 
delegate to the general congress. Nor did the duties of 
statesmanship at any subsequent time call him beyond 
Virginia's borders. 

Virginian villages saw the unsheathed sword. From 
place to place the capitol kept moving. And once it came 
to pass, that, told in time that Tarleton the Terrible was 
not far distant, the luckless legislators fled on horse and 
foot for safety. And many and most comic are the tales 
told thereof, — ofPatrick in particular. 

During four years Virginia watched her ex-governor in 
the legislature with pleasure. After Cornwallis' surrender, 
strong in his convictions, obedient to the dictates of his 
conscience, he advocated with magnanimity and Demos- 
thenic eloquence the return of the British refugees and the 
freedom of trade — even with discomfited England. He 
essayed the solution of the Indian problem, and sought to 
make all men religious. And now, honored once more by 
his peoplf, he occupied the governor's chair for two terms. 

A few years more passed away, and in the projected sur- 
render to Spain for five and twenty years of the Missis- 
sippi, America's artery, the South 's discerning statesmen 
see tlie serpent of sectionalism. Would the North barter 
the South's rights away! Never! Patrick Henr^^ from 
being Federalism's firm friend, becomes her foremost foe, 
and refuses to attend the Constitutional Revision Conven- 
tion, and thus tacitly submit. 



14 

The Constitutional Convention adjourns 8ept. 17, 1787; 
June 2, 1788, Virginia's Convention convenes witli her 
orators, patriots, and statesmen there — but divided. Ratif}'' 
tiie document unamended? " Yes," says statesman -James 
Madison. "No," says statesm;in Patrick Henry. Why 
I'atrick Henry's " No?" A strong central government, — 
but also the riglits of tlie states expressed and not implied — 
tliis he advocates. But his own words answer — " 1 mean 
not to breatlie the spirit nor utter tlic language of secession. 
Tlie first tiling I have at heart is Airierican liberty; tiie 
second is American union." 

Defeated ! He had e.xpected it. One fourth of all the 
words had been struck from the mint of iiis mind and, 
grateful for the respectful attention sliown, be magnani- 
mously vowed tlie vow of patriotism — he would correct tlie 
constitution constitutionnliy. 

Wiien Virginia's assemldy met, was Patrick Henry van- 
quisiied? No. Washington wrote to Madison, "He has 
only to say, ' Let this be law,' and it is law." He named 
the senators, carved out tlie congressional districts, and by 
untiring labor secured the consummation of his grand 
object, for, on December loth, 1791, the constitution had 
ten amendments. 

Now, as a lawyer, be set one more gem in the diadem of 
bis fame. Could a British subject collect a debt, due before 
the revolution, and paid, according to law, into the loan- 
office of Virginia? Counsel for the defendant, Patrick 
Hei'-ry answered that (juestion negatively. The past and 
the present, law and learning, his own mind and the minds 
of others, — all these he laid under tribute, and when, the 
legislative halls deserted, be came forth to argue the 
British debt cause, he was victor before the battle. 

As an advocate, be knew naught but success. Humor, 
passion, sympatby, love, patriotism, reason, and religion — 
he appealed to them all. He entranced the ear, caught the 
eye, touched the lieari, moulded the mind, and — (-onquered! 

And now, lawyer, soldier, statesman, orator, aud above 
all, patriot, he retires from the arena of public life. The 
amendments made, he is a warm friend of the Government. 
In 1794, Governor Henry Lee appoints him son^itor; Presi- 
dent Washington in 1795 offers him the portfolio of state, 
and, the next year, the chief-justiceship; in 179G, be is 
chosen (Jovernor for the sixth time. White with the snows 
of age, bowed down with infirmity, he must decline these 



15 

honors, one and all. But his country needs one more 
''transient eflfbrt." Madison's "Virginia Kesolutions !" 
Jefferson's "Kentuky Resolutions!" War with France! 
Partisanship rampant! Archihald Blair, John Adams, 
George Washington — cry out to him. The appeal is heard, 
and in the hour of his country's peril he is a candidate for 
the assembly. The orator's prophetic voice is as a voice 
from the dead. He is elected — but never again does he 
cross the threshold of the assembly, for he has made 
the peroration of his life. 

He goes home and soon breathes a last prayer for him- 
self, his home, and his country. Good and faithful ser- 
vant of God and man! Thy spirit is fled — thou art gone. 
When Washington joins him in paradise, the double loss 
is'felt and America's eyes are wet with the tears of sorrow. 

His happy home, with his children plaj'ing around him, 
could be likened only to heaven. His law fees had been mod- 
erate, and prudence alone had enabled him to provide for 
his large and beloved family. The company and conversa- 
tion of his friends gladdened his heart; the sweet reveries 
of solitude delighted his soul. Generous to his friends; he 
displayed magnanimity toward his foes. 

His habits were exemplary; his life was a book of moral 
precepts. The fragrant weed of his native state never 
enslaved him; he waged war against intemperance in a 
practical manner by introducing a light beverage. He 
deplored the blight of slavery while he felt its necessity, 
knew its convenience in his day. 

Talents, success, fame, never clothed him with vanity. 
His life was profoundly religious; his belief was mirrored 
in word, deed, and example. Human throughout, he 
breathed with humanity. Conscience was his only master; 
perfection his only idol. 

Never did he hesitate to lift his voice for liberty; a lover 
of democracy, a destroyer of tyranny, he was a maker of 
history. In the book of fame, Clio penned his biography 
in characters of gold; today patriotism punctuates it with 
the diamonds of his eloquence. At birth, genius made her 
abode in him, with strains of ecstasy; in life, midst patriots' 
lays of adoration, victory's eagle perched upon his stand- 
ard; at death, leaving a vacant chair iu liberty's house, 
he was greeted with the angels' songs of welcome. 

Patkio T. Lovek. 



16 



gone nf the JlcttoUttion. 

IN THE 

STATE OF CALIFORNIA. 



OFFICERS FOR 1896. 



HOLDRIDGE OZKO COLLINS, 

Los Angeles. 

^Ice-JJvEsi&eitt. 
M.\JOR WILLIAM ANTHONY ELDERKIN, U. S. A. 

Los Angeles. 

S^ECvctary. 

ARTHUR BURNETT BENTON, 

114 N. Spring St., Los Angeles. 

®rcaeiirer. 

JOHNSTONE JONES, 

Los Angeles. 

EDWARD THOMAS HARDEN, 

2331 Thompson St., Los Angeles. 

JAMES MONROE ALLEN, 

San Francisco, 

REV. JOHN GRAY, 

Rector St. Paul's Parish, Los Angeles. 

FRANK CLARKE PRESCOTT, 

Redlands. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



. II I III 

011 711 248 2 



